Resource Fair Focuses on Most Pressing Issues for Today's Youth

Ellington’s DPYC (Developing Positive Youth Culture) will host a resource fair for parents and adult community members on Thursday evening, March 28 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at Ellington Senior Center on Maple Street. This first-ever informational evening has been made possible by a “mini-opioid grant” the town received through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and will focus on the most pressing issues affecting our youth - opioid addiction being one of them.

The highlight of the evening will be two break-out sessions that will cover the topics of connecting with youth on tough topics and the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping. In addition, the State Police will be on hand to collect residents’ unused or expired prescription drugs at their “Prescription Drug Take Back” booth. The “Hidden in Plain Sight” trailer, sponsored by the Alex Fisher Foundation, will be parked in the front parking lot and will feature a mock bedroom to show parents where drugs and drug paraphernalia are most likely to be hidden in youth bedrooms. There will be over 18 exhibitors with information on other topics such as anxiety, social media use, eating disorders, domestic abuse, human trafficking, teen relationships, suicide prevention, pain management, disposal and safety of medications, wellness programs and vaping. The “Today I Matter” organization will feature a heartrending poster display showing people who have lost their battles with opioid addiction.

Admission is free and there will be refreshments and door prizes. “There are so many important issues facing parents today, and we wanted to have as many resources as possible in one place so they can gather the information they need,” said Diane Lasher-Penti, Youth Services Director and chairperson of the DPYC. “We hope parents will leave with more knowledge as to where they can find information and help.” For a complete list of all the exhibitors and information on the two break-out speakers - Susan Graham, MSW, MA and Dana Cavallo, Ph.D., visit http://youth.ellington-ct.gov/ For any additional information, call Youth Services at 860-870-3130 or email dstauffer@ellington-ct